Madden NFL 15: Your First Impressions (Roundtable)

[Jarbeez]

Gameplay feels smooth and fast. Which is good. I'm getting used to having camera controls on the d-pad and having to make adjustments to some of the control changes, but that is ok. I'm sure I will get used to it.

I'm not sure I love the new playcalling menus, but again, I'm sure I will get used to it.

Commentary is my only issue so far, and it isn't any worse than years past, but 3 that stood out to me in my first game:
1. Final 2 minutes of a game. I'm leading 7-0. I get a defensive stop. The commentary is, well the defense did the job and got the ball back, now it's time to see if the offense can get the lead. That is not word for word, but the basic statement. So way off...
2. On a kickoff return, they commented that my runner was stopped just short of the 1st down marker. Thankfully, they still gave me a first down.
3. The third one was similar to #1. I was in the lead. The other team got the ball, and the commentary was, now the offense just have to run down the clock to get the win.

Commentary is a detail, not a make or break one, but it does make me wonder if there are any game scenarios that were programmed backwards that we will find later. Like if that team would have actually just run the clock out when they needed points or something. So far, I have not seen anything like that.

I will say, I do love the tempo options...normal, chew clock, and no-huddle. Particularly the chew clock feature that allows the accelerated clock to continue for the offensive team that is trying to run down some clock. Keeps everyone from having to sit there for 30-40 seconds.

Also, noticed on the QB play. Which I'm using a bad QB, so it should be this way. Deep passes for me have been non-existent with this QB. The only big plays I've been able to get are getting a fast guy in open space. I've thrown 3 or 4 int's by trying to force a deep ball. Now, I have yet to play with a decent QB, so I can't say how that goes just yet.

[Mauer4MVP]

Re: Madden NFL 15: Your First Impressions (Roundtable)

I think this is the Best version of Madden NFL, the team has put out.

The graphics are beautiful and immersive.The gameplay on both sides of the ball is challenging, but rewarding.

It may not be perfect, but it sure is fun.

I would agree if it weren't for the sim stats. If they can fix that, then I completely agree. The game is so fun. I just don't want to be playing exhibition games or head-to-head games all the time.

[knucklesdaclown]

I don't like it all so far.
The "improvements" they made appear to be nothing most sim players have any need or desire for.

Improvement are mostly making something easy (playcalling) a pain in the butt for no reason. When thinking about improvements was there a huge outcry to make play calling different?

Jump the snap is nothing but a lobby exploit and terribly annoying an unrealistic. Guys already getting sacks in under a second with legends like Ryan Kerrigan.


The commentary has been useless for many years, zero improvemnet there. Instead of having Nance and Simms spout the same awkard (many times nonsensical to the situation) crap they have been saying for three maddens, why not hire two nobodies who have all the time in the world to provide some actual insight or a volume of non repetitive dialouge. (dig up those fake 2k5 announcers, they were amazing)

One inexcusable flaw that has persisted for years (just one example) is not being able to do something simple as choosing your KO team. How can this still not be an option? With less xp available, it should let you pick some young guys or back ups on defense to play special teams at your whim, if you choose to use starters they would tire out or get hurt more. But let it be an option, nothing I hate more than seeing a valuble player wasting his time as a KO gunner.

Also commish mode in OLF is still lacking. Ever try getting 32 people across the country for a draft? Impossible. So why not let the commish have the option to draft players for people who cant make it, or do depth chart fixes, or help in resigning players if people cant get to their team.

Once again our league will have to go third party with a daddy league site due to EA being so lacking.

Looks like since jump the snap is some new horrible idea, it will be front and center the most important thing to master or something sim leagues will have to cut out entirley as user skill will trump the player ratings on this one.

All in all, it would be nice to see a review that doesnt bow down to the god of EA in fear of not getting an advance copy and tells it like it is. Or maybe start out with the stuff they never fix before stroking EA's ego in the begining paragraph out of fear.

[Demoncrom]

Knucks have to agree on that. Companies do go too easy on EA. This review is fair - its a Good game but not a great game and wont be until they fix the obvious issues

[DirtyJerz32]

Good write up guys. M15 is the best since M05. Ironically that's the last year they focused on the defense.

[Cold War Vet]

Has anyone figured out how to unlock legend players and share them un a roster? They did this for Xbox 360 last year but not for Xbox One.

[Junior Moe]

Re: Madden NFL 15: Your First Impressions (Roundtable)

I'm enjoying the game so far. My biggest issues are the constant player clipping/morphing post play & the sloppy physics. Too often I'm seeing players walk right through players laying on the field post play. I know it's probably challenging for EA being that there's so much going on the field at once, but if they can clean up the physics & eliminate the clipping/morphing it would make the game so much better. It really kills the immersion when I see it.

Gameplay is definitely better. Time for EA to really start to differentiate how players feel & animate. Signature animations are a must going forward.

I agree with everything you said, especially the signature style stuff. But I personally appreciate the wonky physics. It feels like Madden 13 felt, only better. I would like it cleaned up a bit, but I am fine with it as is. I had a scrum with Stephen Jackson where 3 defenders converged on him and it looked great. It may not have been a "gangtackle", but it looked great. In M13 they toned the physics down too and it made the game feel stale and like the same old Madden. Madden 15 just feels like a whole new ballgame to me. This game is legit and it has depth! Madden is back!

[roadman]

Re: Madden NFL 15: Your First Impressions (Roundtable)

I don't like it all so far.

All in all, it would be nice to see a review that doesnt bow down to the god of EA in fear of not getting an advance copy and tells it like it is. Or maybe start out with the stuff they never fix before stroking EA's ego in the begining paragraph out of fear.

Welcome to OS.

I'm assuming since you are new, you didn't see this demo review of Madden 25 last year, with some of the same round table folks.

http://www.operationsports.com/featu...mo-roundtable/

It's not bad to praise a game if warranted, and it's not bad to constructively criticize a game, either, no matter where it appears in the paragraph.

While I do still believe animations need an overhaul

funky physics system that results in a few eye sores.

Here's one whole paragraph from beginning to end:

But that doesn't mean the game is anywhere near perfect. Players still don't feel unique in the way that they play or look. Running animations are still pretty poor and they're often paired with odd animations. About one in every ten tackles, the ball carrier is flung backwards like they just ran into a rubber wall. Commentary is still really bland

And another paragraph:

I do see some issues, especially as others have pointed out in the animations. Also, what's that strange sound I sometimes hear when tackles are made? It sort of sounds like a beachball hitting a brick wall. And, for all of the improvements in the broadcast, commentary is still pretty bad. It's also time for EA to ditch their "own" broadcast IDs and use ESPN or the NFL Network.

To me, this roundtable seems well balanced. A person will read what everyone has to say, not just pick out bits and pieces if they are interested in everyone's opinion or impression.

[KuruptOwnz]

I agree this is better gamplay, but the connected career issues are game breakers for most.

[Armor and Sword]

Re: Madden NFL 15: Your First Impressions (Roundtable)

First Impressions from a pioneer console sports gamer.

Pioneer you say? Yes. I played Atari 2600 football. Yeah you know the one with three guys moving in unison kicking and throwing a square ball. And then we got Intellivision NFL Football. We were talking about a play book on your game pad!!

Well you know the drill. I have been playing console sports games since Pong. So I have played and seen it all in regards to the virtual gridiron. 1991 was when I first played John Madden Football on the Sega Genesis and it has been quite the journey with this series ever since. From incredible high's like Madden 93, Madden 99 and Madden 2005 to incredible lows like Madden 97, Madden 2006 (360/PS3) and Madden 13 (yes I consider that a low overall but a necessary one) to now Madden 15 on the new generation of consoles.

I was not going to take the leap till next summer. I am a Show junkie and was waiting for a true next gen version of the game as this years was a very solid and polished port. But then the videos started coming out and what I was seeing was the makings of a truly great football game. My video game sickness started kicking in to overdrive. Can this be the Madden I have always wanted but never got since the PS2 days? A focus on defense, something that seemed to get lost in translation after the glorious and ground breaking Madden 2005.

I have always loved playing Maddens brand of video game football. Is it the most sim? Oh no of course not we know that. But is it a lot of fun? Yes. When they get it right (and they have several times in the past) they get it right. You have to approach Madden knowing a few things going in. It is a game made for the masses in mind. It is a game that is rich in modes (CFM, MUT, Online CFM etc). But something was different with this next gen Madden. It seems like they really focused on the AI. And that to me is the biggest key and greatest success of this years game.

You better understand real football strategy if you want to win against the CPU and against a Sim minded human opponent. You gotta understand there are many different "Madden" players.

1. Sim approach players offline solo CFM - guys/gals looking to try and emulate what you see on Sunday with playcalling, stats and just a real table top (Strato-matic/Statis Pro) approach to sports video gaming.

2. Arcade approach - Hey...this is when your buddy comes over and your trash talking all over the place and your going full tilt to win. It's fun, furious and Madden allows you that flexability to do just that.

3. Online CFM Leagues - Madden has a great online league set-up IMO. probably the best next to NHL's EASHL (which NHL players will see again i am sure on the new gen consoles).


Madden player number 1 has felt like the wicked step child for a while now. It was not until Madden 12 that a light started to shine. But that game IMO fell so flat on the field. In my opinion it is overrated because of the offline love in it's customization features, but the sterile and awful presentation, and lifeless and souless interface for franchise made the game....feel stale within one year for me personally. Madden 25 was a good attempt to get the offline player engaged again. It certainly did that for me. It was the first Madden I had a total blast playing in 10 years. Well the team that started this new journey on Madden 13, cleaned up on 25 has now brought us what I feel is the best version of Madden football ever.

From the moment you slip the disc into the console and get into the introduction....you knew something different was taking place. We are talking about a huge presentation revamp. This is NFL broadcast quality football. Visually Madden 15 is a stunning game. Easily the best looking football game ever made to date bar none. Audio has been revamped as well. Crowd swells have come to life. The timing of those crowd swells has been tuned and now it feels like your in an NFL stadium. I dare you to crank up your 7.1 and let the sounds of Madden reverberate in your game room. It is pretty awesome.

So audio and visual upgrades are very prominent and jump right off the screen and speakers immediately.

But what about the gameplay stupid!!!


Gameplay - For the first time since Madden 10 but to a much higher degree and with far more quality players look and feel as real as they ever have. Players have momentum and weight. The difference between a RB like LeSean McCoy and bowling ball Giants rookie Andre Williams are clearly felt and seen on Madden 15. With McCoy you have speed and shakes while with Andre Williams your a wrecking ball without much wiggle. WR's like Calvin Johnson and Andre Johnson are physical and can snatch balls out of the sky but then you play with Randal Cobb or Mike Wallace and you get fast agile post runners with deadly sprinters speed after the catch. Gameplay for the most part feels smooth, intuitive and more lifelike than any football game I have ever played before it by far. The lead passing system works really really well and with adjusted QB Accuracy sliders I can say with a lot of certainty pass inaccuracies are in. Knowing your QB's strengths and weakness's is vital in how much or little you will use certain trajectories. By using the full arsenal of pass trajectories you open up a world of animations for the WR's as well as open the door to a more life like sim of QB's having either a great or bad day. And the new player confidence will play into the hands of QB Accuracy.

Tackling and physics - The Ignite engine has taken the next step with Madden 15. I have seen some glorious 4-5 man pile ups, some consecutive hits and stumbles (again I have adjusted my sliders on All-Pro and am working on a sim set) some crushing hits, some big whiff's etc. The new tackling controls and cone are great great additions and makes tackling a mini game in of itself. The new DL controls are also fantastic and are another layer of a game within a game. Playing defense has never been better on any video football game ever made than on Madden 15. I did have to tone down the sacks (simply by finding a sweet spot with CPU and Human pass blocking) but gone are the days of your LE getting all the sacks. Now they come from all over the place. And if you think rushing 4 will net you sacks on a regular basis...think again. You will have to take some calculated chances. The physics still have some wonky animations here and there, but are really good this year overall. YOu can see how this game has really evolved from Madden 13 to Madden 15. Truly it is showing tremendous progress on the field in player interactions (line play is just really solid now) as you are getting real pockets forming and running the ball takes skill in being patient and flowing with the pile and hitting the hole if it opens. Running the ball is highly rewarding and really fun. Having a power back is different from having a dynamic back like Jamal Charles. You see and fell the difference now. Speed ratings are not king anymore in regards to production.

A.I 2.0 - This is where you now know your playing a next gen title. It's all about the vastly improved A.I. The CPU is no joke on All-Pro. The great defensive teams are just that. They can lock you down. They can easily pick up on your play calling tendencies. They will jump curl routes and slants are no longer automatic. Also you better make your reads. So far I have seen the CPU typically cover 3 out of 4 targets and if you do not progress through and recognize who is going to be covered quickly....you will get pressured into a bad throw, a dump off and yes a sack. Defense is back and better than ever. As far as on offense, the CPU is also a lot better. Sliders are needed to boost their running game (which is fine) and pass protect (again that's what they are there for) and once you settle in you will see elite offenses scorch you if your not calling a good game. Which brings us to play calling. YOu better have a good working knowledge of football. This is a football fans game IMO. Having a gameplan, being able to find the weakness and right match-ups (the match-up wheel menu is a great addition as well to see how your slot WR matches up if your #1 is being covered by Sherman). The level if pre play information has gone to new heights.

Playcall menu - Yes...it has been overhauled. And yes at first it is quite daunting and may I say overwhelming. But once you get into a rhythm and understand all the different options you will be calling all the plays you want easily in no time. Trust me it is a great system. The only real draw back is having to always back out from the previous formation, or type of play call screen to get the main menu up again. It is a tad cumbersome...but again once you know that..it becomes an automatic button push to circle (PS4) out to the main play call screen. Another con is CPU offenses call their plays quick and snap the ball a little too quick....if I know exactly what adjustments I want to make once the huddle breaks I can maybe get in 2-3 max with a 25 sec runoff. So that is a little bit of a let down. That hopefully can be patched of offline gamers. I understand why they did it for online games...but offline we should be able to make adjustments a little bit easier. Don't get me wrong...I don't mind it a little quicker to simulate real life but this is a tad too quick by about 7-10 seconds and that is a lot.


CFM - I am doing my beta CFM right now and I love the game prep feature that was added. It adds a whole new layer of team building strategy and I look forward to really diving in deep into that new CFM feature. We all know the simulated stats need a patch and hopefully we get it soon. But overall I think CFM is a deep and immersive franchise mode that is only evolving and getting better with each release.


Skills Trainer - it is a really cool feature and quite frankly if you want to get the most out of all the play calling, new controls and new defensive options you have at your finger tips, I would encourage everyone to do all of them.


Overall - Madden 15 is the most complete package on the field we have ever seen, from next gen visuals and sound to the best AI this game has ever had to date, to life like player models, TV quality broadcast presenetation, Madden 15 for me rates a:


8.5/10

EA really worked on this game. It shows in so many ways. This is a fresh new football game and the dawn of hopefully a foundation that the PS4/ONE generation dev team can keep expanding on.

I took away points for legacy issues that still remain like.

1. A fully functioning sim like penalty system
2. Fully functioning replay system
3. Formation subs menu like the NCAA series still missing and mass subs
4. Auto subs in CFM still bugged and not allowing us to set the values like we can outside in play now
5. WR/DB interaction still needs to be improved like the DL/OL has.

But from all indications many of these legacy issues are being fixed for future releases. Judging how well Madden 15 plays I do believe EA is committed to fixing these issues that were basically and obviously unfix-able last gen.

[SIR924]

Madden 15 is a good game! Graphics are very nice and stadium sound is very realistic. Game play is best madden I've played, but still room for lot's of improvements better running animation. Give this game a few fixes:
1. Better running animations
2 .Tighter physics
3. Multiple commentary teams that can be selected manual or random. This would give the game a different presentation and sound.
But overall this is a good and fun game.

[statum71]

Good reviews.

While not perfect (and no sports game is), this is the best Madden yet in my humble opinion.

[BlackSheep2910]

Re: Madden NFL 15: Your First Impressions (Roundtable)

I'm still in the honeymoon phase but my initial impressions are nothing but positives. I think we're going to see many frustrated members here because the players finally have weight to them. You can't cut on a dime and just run around like a crazy person and expect to do well. That's the biggest positive I've seen so far.

I echo these comments. I was hell bent on not buying Madden this year. I rented from Redbox and tried my hardest to cheese the game. I am shocked at how balanced it plays. I didn't find anything OP or borderline impossible to stop.I played 3 online random games. All three opponents quit in frustration after their Madden 25 cheese strategies failed. I actually HOPE and get happy when some fool goes for it on 4th down now. I hope these impressions hold true with more playing time.

One glaring negative thou. I really despise the new play calling menu. Hopefully it grows on me with time.

In conclusion, i have changed my mind and decided to get purchase.

[bucky60]

Re: Madden NFL 15: Your First Impressions (Roundtable)

"It feels like EA wants us to learn how to play Madden like real football, and are finally giving us the gameplay to back it up."
"As someone who loves watching football, but doesn't understand 100% of the intricacies, I appreciate that I'm learning while I play."

This means a lot to us guys. Thanks.

Rex, I haven't been that fond of Madden in a while. I thought Madden 12 was the only one since PS2/PC days that was worth having and that had it's own franchise issues. Now I am pretty darn impressed with the Madden 15 on field stuff which is what you and your team have worked on. I think the on field is the best Madden to date. Major kudos.

My biggest issues and problems now are with the CFM off field stuff. I know that's not your area or your teams. But it pains me to see, while you and your team are moving the needle in the sim direction, that the CFM team has moved in such an arcade direction. And with the simmed stats being so far off, and how much it is effecting progression in a negative manner, it leaves me again frustrated and disappointed with the purchase.

But you and your team I give big props to. My opinion is the on field stuff is the best Madden so far.

[bucky60]

Re: Madden NFL 15: Your First Impressions (Roundtable)

Overall - Madden 15 is the most complete package on the field we have ever seen, from next gen visuals and sound to the best AI this game has ever had to date, to life like player models, TV quality broadcast presenetation, Madden 15 for me rates a:


8.5/10

EA really worked on this game. It shows in so many ways. This is a fresh new football game and the dawn of hopefully a foundation that the PS4/ONE generation dev team can keep expanding on.

I took away points for legacy issues that still remain like.

1. A fully functioning sim like penalty system
2. Fully functioning replay system
3. Formation subs menu like the NCAA series still missing and mass subs
4. Auto subs in CFM still bugged and not allowing us to set the values like we can outside in play now
5. WR/DB interaction still needs to be improved like the DL/OL has.

But from all indications many of these legacy issues are being fixed for future releases. Judging how well Madden 15 plays I do believe EA is committed to fixing these issues that were basically and obviously unfix-able last gen.

I'm glad you said "on the field" above. I would give this game's on field portion a pretty high rating and would not argue with your 8.5. But CFM I rate more like a 6.

Rex is making me a believer in his team. I don't have the same faith in the CFM team.